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Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:48 pm

I purchased a PC 1200 in July of 2012 and noticed this spring that it was not holding a charge. Its used as the Aux and I never charged it during the idle winter months (lesson learned). I just returned it to Batteries & Bulbs and they replaced it no questions asked. :D

Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:36 pm

Please be aware that the Odyssey AGM battery is not your ordinary AGM. It uses high performance chemistry that needs a higher charging voltage than standard AGMs. When charged properly your battery should last 6-8 years.

The battery needs at least 14.2 volts to charge thoroughly from casual usage. But even at that voltage, you are setting yourself up for reduced deep-cycle capacity and battery life. When deep-cycling the battery needs 14.7 volts to recover properly. If you are never hitting these voltages, expect premature battery failure. Considering that the standard Vanagon charging voltage is 13.8, it is simply inadequate for the Odyssey PC1200 AGM battery. You are better off getting a cheaper Gel-Cel battery.

If you plug in and have a dedicated AGM charger, it will at least condition your battery properly whenever you are plugged in. Also be aware that a charger must perform to Odyssey’s specs. Many cheaper AGM chargers do not hit the required voltage.

When charging off the alternator, you will never fully charge the battery. That is the situation I have right now, because I still have the flooded battery in the back.

There is an alternator mod to get the 14.7 volts, but that would kill your cranking battery in a short time. Unless you are also running an Odyssey cranking battery.

Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:47 pm

And Braile battery maintainer is a thing of beauty.
It will charge as described above.
They do cost a pretty penny, but so does most good stuff.

Thu Jun 12, 2014 10:59 pm

Please scroll down to page 15
"charging Odyssey batteries"

http://www.odysseybattery.com/documents/US-ODY-TM-001_0411_000.pdf

When deeply cycled
Initial Bulk current is to be 40% the 20 hour rate, until 14.7V is reached.

Hold 14.7v for 4 hours as current tapers
Float at 13.6v

Proper and prompt recharging of any Lead Acid battery is the key to lifespan.

Odysseys require higher currents than most.

Fri Jun 13, 2014 12:57 am

At least nine years as a cranking battery. Still works.

Sat Jun 14, 2014 6:45 am

Thanks for the info I also purchased a Noco G7200to charge when hooked to shore power. [/quote]

Fri Jul 11, 2014 8:52 am

Fri Jul 11, 2014 8:53 am

Fri Jul 11, 2014 8:54 am

nocreditnodebt wrote: Please scroll down to page 15
"charging Odyssey batteries"

http://www.odysseybattery.com/documents/US-ODY-TM-001_0411_000.pdf

When deeply cycled
Initial Bulk current is to be 40% the 20 hour rate, until 14.7V is reached.

Hold 14.7v for 4 hours as current tapers
Float at 13.6v

Proper and prompt recharging of any Lead Acid battery is the key to lifespan.

Odysseys require higher currents than most.

Seems like the promariner prosport charger fits the bill perfectly then (when set to high performance AGM mode... http://promariner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ProSport-SMT-Manual.pdf[/url]

Thu Aug 21, 2014 8:06 am

dbcdad wrote: I have had my PC1200 and Go Westy Aux battery set-up since September 2006. I have the Harbor Freight 45 watt solar panel set charging continuously. When I checked it last month it was 14.3 Volt. I have never had a problem with it. Maybe having the solar hooked up all the time keeps it topped out. I will be going out next tuesday to Saline Valley for two weeks andI will be taxing the battery for charging, dvd, lights etc. I usually check voltage every day while we are out. Refridgeration is on propane.

Have fun, David C
1987 Wolfsburg Daily Driver
1987 Syncro Gl_Country Homes Top_Westfalia Interior_Custom Racks front and back
1986 Syncro Sunroof_Running
1987 Syncro Westfalia_No Engine_Project
1987 Gl_work van with high top

My PC1200 ran down to 5volts about a 1 1/2 years ago and has been sitting for as long. (its hard to throw things away). I figured I would try to revive it (after reading online what to do) with my 2/10/55 amp charger. I hooked another battery in parallel to trick the charger until I was able to disconnect it. The amp gauge read 1.5 amps and charge was set at 10 amps. Voltage has been slowly coming up. Today voltage is up to 13.4 volts and gauge is reading 8 amps. Battery temp has been 80 degrees and now is 107. I will put a load on it later.
Have Fun, David C

Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:56 pm

I'm going on three years into my PC1200 and two other PC1700's all are keeping proper charges and loads.

Very well made battery if used properly.